Maxwell's Air Force Base's Col. M. V. “Coyote” Smith is over the moon after his team won big in Washington, D.C,. for their innovative space-based plan for clean solar energy.

"We won! I can't believe it! To be honest I'm really excited right now. It was really an honor to get to present it," Smith said. "I'm looking forward to pressing forward with my team. I want people to know this is a win for Montgomery and Alabama. It holds potential for the not only the whole state, but the nation and the world."

Now, his team’s revolutionary project is recognized nationally after winning four out of the top seven awards from the Department of Defense for Best in Innovation, Best in Presentation, Best in Collaboration and People's Choice Award.

Titled “Carbon-Free Energy for Global Resilience and International Goodwill,” the proposal was selected as the best of the Department of Defense’s first-time innovation challenge for the Diplomacy, Development, Defense Summit.

"They said we really hit the nail on the head for what they were looking for. Something that was ready to be field tested, that would transform human civilization across the planet, something that was realistic, affordable and marketable," Smith said.

The concept was proposed recently by Air University professors at Maxwell and leading scientists from across the globe. They came together after Smith posted an open proposal on the Internet. The idea is to launch massive solar-paneled satellites into space.The panels would harness energy from the sun and transmit it to Earth as electricity.

The solar panels would allow continuous absorption of solar energy without atmospheric and day-to-night disruptions. It could also help save other natural resources, lower consumer electricity costs and provide power to Third World countries.

This win for the Smith's team could result in a portion of the development being done in Huntsville. Smith hopes it will expand across the state, the country and eventually other nations.

He's already been contacted by the United Arab Emirates, who are interested in setting up a space-based solar power of their own, Smith said, along with interest from Alabama state representatives, aiming to push the idea at the Capitol.

"Most people think of Alabama as only what Hollywood tells them. I want to deliver to the state the type of performance that just wows'people," Smith said.

The next step for Smith and his team is to talk with the State Economic Development Office about pushing their proposal forward.